Chapter 1
The Verbal Reasoning sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) emphasize complex reasoning skills and reward your ability to analyze the relationships among words and sentences as they are used in context. The exam tests vocabulary contextually, and the reading passages are both dense and written with a sophisticated level of diction. The goal of the test’s content and emphasis on analytical skills is to provide an accurate indication of your ability to understand what you’re reading and to apply reasoning skills to the text’s premises and arguments. These are all skills you will need at the graduate level.
To perform well on the Verbal Reasoning section—to answer correctly as many questions as possible—you need to have a good grasp of vocabulary and the ability to apply reasoning skills. Part 2 of this book explains the various question types in detail. Part 3 reviews the foundations of vocabulary. Every chapter offers plenty of opportunities to practice and review your answers.